Puerto Vallarta BeefDip Bear Week 2026: The Essential Guide

Puerto Vallarta’s BeefDip Bear Week is one of the longest-running and most beloved bear festivals in the world, drawing bears, cubs, chasers, and friends from across the globe every year. In 2026, BeefDip runs from January 25 through February 1, 2026 in the Zona Romántica and surrounding beach areas, turning the city into a week-long celebration of beach parties, themed events, pool days, nightlife, and connection.

From this otter to a bear, you should definitely keep reading, but first, I wanted to get a little personal here. You see, I’ve been living in PV for over a year and visiting for 3 years. I created a guide that packs everything I know for nightlife, food, and fun in a 50-page guide for a LIMITED TIME price, so you’ll want to grab it now so you have everything you need for your trip here. Plus, I talk about safety. The book is packed with EVERYTHING you need to know. So before you continue reading this post, check out my new Puerto Vallarta Travel Guide here.

Now, let’s get back to why you’re here… BEARS. :)

What is BeefDip/Bear Week?

BeefDip Bear Week is not just a party — it’s community. Founded over 20 years ago, the event continues to attract thousands of bears and allies to Puerto Vallarta with its combination of daytime social energy and iconic nighttime parties. Each year includes pool parties, beach events, themed club nights, and the chance to meet like-minded travelers and locals in a welcoming environment.

One of the many pool party events held during Bear Week.

Daily Spotlight events at BeefDip Bear Week 2026

Here’s a standout event to anchor your day during the week. Most official events are ticketed, and many use the BeefDip Dog Tag as your access pass, so plan ahead, as passes and pool days often sell out. Get your tags here.

Day 1 – Sunday, January 25
BeefDip Welcome Party (3pm) at Blue Chairs rooftop
This is the official kickoff and sets the tone for the week — meet new people, hear the stories, and start socializing before night falls.

Day 2 – Monday, January 26
BeefDip Foam Pool Party (12pm) at Blue Chairs Resort
One of the most social daytime events of the week with music, foam, DJs, and crowd energy that immediately feels like a bear family reunion.

Night option (same day)
Dinner Under the Stars (7pm) at The Tryst Hotel — a more relaxed yet elegant kickoff dinner experience before the nightlife continues.

Day 3 – Tuesday, January 27
Mantamar Bear Pool Party (11am) at Mantamar Beach Club
Beachfront pool party with world-class DJs and bottle service — perfect mix of chill vibes and party energy.

Night option (same day)
Bearaoke (9:30pm) on the Blue Chairs rooftop — a community favorite for laughs, performances, and people watching.

Day 4 – Wednesday, January 28
SPLASH! Pool Party (11am) at Hotel Delfin
Another big daytime gathering with drinks and DJs, great for both first-timers and seasoned visitors.

Day 5 – Thursday, January 29
Beach Social & Sand Meet-Up (afternoon) at Los Muertos Beach
While not always officially ticketed, this daily beach social scene is one of the most lively and easygoing parts of Bear Week — think jocks, sunbathing, and conversations that turn into night plans.

Night option (same day)
Disco InFURno Party (10pm) at CC Slaughters
A classic themed club night that keeps the energy high.

Day 6 – Friday, January 30
Daytime Pool Hangout & Brunch at your chosen local bar or club rooftop
Today is great for pacing — often groups use this day to reset, get food, or explore beyond the main parties. Zones like Zona Romántica’s rooftops become default brunch or chill meet-up spots.

Night option (same day)
Daddys Night at STUDS Bear Bar
A classic night for themed vibes, drinks, and dancing with fellow bears and admirers.

Day 7 – Saturday, January 31
BeefDip Celebration Finale & Club Night
As the week wraps, many of the venues — CC Slaughters, Industry Nightclub, and STUDS — throw special closing parties, often with guest DJs and larger-than-usual crowds.

Get the full schedule of events here.

Where the action happens

Almost every BeefDip event takes place in or within walking distance of the Zona Romántica, Puerto Vallarta’s gay nightlife and social district, centered around Los Muertos Beach. Clubs, rooftops, beach clubs, and bars like Blue Chairs Resort, Mantamar Beach Club, CC Slaughters, and STUDS Bear Bar form the backbone of the week’s daytime and nighttime events.

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Where to Stay (Bear-Friendly Areas & Hotels)

If you’re here for bear events, you want to stay in or just above the Romantic Zone (Zona Romántica) – that’s where the bars, clubs, beach clubs, and most events live.

Romantic Zone & Amapas

These areas put you walking distance from everything:

• Almar Resort / Mantamar Beach Club – The only luxury LGBT+ beachfront resort in PV; Mantamar hosts major pool parties for circuit and bear weekends. Steps from the gay beach and bar strip.

• Shores Beach Hotel (Vallarta Shores) – Beachfront suites on Los Muertos, close to the gay district, with kitchens and balconies—great if you want a home base between pool parties.

• Hotel Amaca – Adults-only, with sea views and a quieter vibe but still a quick walk down to the action in Zona Romántica.

• Tryst Puerto Vallarta – A newer gay boutique hotel right in the heart of the zone that also shows up in the BeefDip ecosystem (pre-parties, dinners, etc.).

• Casa Cúpula – Iconic gay boutique hotel with a view over the bay, home to a clothing-optional pool club and host to bear/leather pool parties during events like Leather Fever.

Traveling with a crew? Condos and apartments in the Romantic Zone or Amapas are super popular—rooftop pools, ocean views, and short walks to the pier and beach.

Where Bears Actually Hang Out

Daytime: Beach & Pool

• Mantamar Beach Club – Big pool right on Los Muertos Beach, with DJs, bottle service, and circuit-level production for special weekends like Brawny Bear and New Year’s events.

• Gay section of Los Muertos Beach – The sand in front of Blue Chairs down toward Mantamar turns into a furry catwalk during bear weeks. Even outside events, this is where you’ll see a lot of bears clustered on any busy high-season afternoon.

• Bearadise Beach Parties (like Wicked Island) – Private, boat-access events with a clothing-optional vibe, DJs, and crowds from around the world. Think “bear fantasy island” energy.

Nighttime: Bars & Clubs

• CC Slaughters – Late-night dance floor where a ton of BeefDip parties happen (Disco theme, White Party, Black Ball, superheroes, underwear night, etc.).

• STUDS Bear & Leather Bar – Leather and fetish-focused bar in Zona Romántica, center of Leather Fever and gear nights throughout the year.

• Blue Chairs Rooftop – Classic rooftop bar for sunset views, drag, karaoke and a lot of the BeefDip welcome events, foam pool parties, and socials.

• Industry Nightclub – Big dance venue that partners with Brawny Bear and other festivals, known for late-night circuit parties and big-name DJs.

Clothing-Optional Options (For When You Really Want to Let Go)

If you’re looking to show a little more skin than just the jockstrap on — don’t worry I’ve got you covered. Here are all the clothing-optional spots in PV:

Cheeky Pool Club: Cheeky is one of the newest additions to the scene – a playful gay pool club in Zona Romántica with craft cocktails and a lush, secluded courtyard vibe. It’s clothing-optional on Wednesdays and Sundays, with no cover but a 300 MXN minimum spend, making it a fun, flirty daytime option if you want something more intimate than the huge circuit pool parties.

Casa Cúpula Pool Club: Casa Cúpula’s Pool Club is a clothing-optional, adults-only pool club attached to one of PV’s best-known gay hotels. Open daily around midday with food, cocktails, hot tubs, cabanas, and great bay views, it’s famous for its body-positive message: “Every Body is Beautiful.” They host regular naked/clothing-optional parties and Sunday events that draw a fun mix of locals and visitors.

Spartacus Sauna: If you’re looking for more of a bathhouse / spa / cruising experience, Spartacus Sauna is a multi-level, men-only gay sauna complex in Zona Romántica. Amenities include a dry sauna, steam room, Jacuzzi, private cabins, video rooms, a rooftop sun deck with nude sunbathing, and a pool. Daytime tends to be more chill and social; late-night leans much more “adult.”

FAQ — Bears of Puerto Vallarta Frequently Asked Questions:

When is the best time for bears to visit Puerto Vallarta?

If you want maximum bear density, aim for:

• Late January / early February → BeefDip Bear Week

• November → Brawny Bear Weekend, Leather Fever, Bearadise Bearsgiving

• May-ish → Bearadise Bear Pride events

The rest of high season (roughly November–April) still has plenty of bears in town, but these are the weeks where it really spikes.

Is Puerto Vallarta safe for gay and bear travelers?

In general, yes. PV is one of the most established LGBTQ+ destinations in Mexico, with a visible gayborhood, gay hotels, and an economy that heavily depends on queer tourism. Like anywhere, use normal travel common sense (watch your drink, know your route home, don’t flash all your cash at 3 a.m.), but overall it’s considered very welcoming and safe for LGBTQ+ travelers. Read more about safety in Vallarta here.

Do I need to speak Spanish?

You’ll be fine with English in most of the Romantic Zone, hotels, beach clubs, and nightlife spots, but learning a few basics (“gracias,” “la cuenta, por favor,” “otro tequila”) goes a long way and is appreciated. Taxi drivers, restaurant staff, and tour vendors often speak at least some English.

Should I stay in an all-inclusive or in the Romantic Zone?

If you’re coming for bear events, gay nightlife, and clothing-optional pool clubs, staying in or near the Romantic Zone/Amapas is the move. All-inclusives further north can be beautiful, but you’ll be Ubering back and forth for everything. In the Zone, you can walk to:

• Los Muertos gay beach

• Mantamar and other clubs

• Bars like CC Slaughters, STUDS, Reinas, etc.

Do I need to buy tickets in advance for bear events?

For big weeks like BeefDip, Bearadise, and Brawny Bear, yes—especially for:

• Dog tags / festival passes

• Booze cruises and private beach parties

• Special pool party days

Some events sell out weeks ahead, and hotels fill fast, so think of it like planning for Pride or a big circuit weekend.

Is nudity legal on the public beach?

Puerto Vallarta doesn’t officially have a public nude beach in town. Nudity is common and accepted at private clothing-optional venues like Cheeky, Casa Cúpula Pool Club, Spartacus, and Bearadise’s private island parties. On Los Muertos Beach itself, most guys stick to speedos/jocks and keep full nudity to private spaces.

What should I pack for a bear trip to PV?

Think:

• Swimwear (speedos, trunks, jocks depending on your vibe)

• Lightweight clothes for hot, humid weather

• At least one white outfit (for White Party-style events) and one black/leather/fetish look if you’re doing bear/gear weekends

• Sandals or water shoes, sunscreen, fan, sunglasses

• A small crossbody or fanny pack for nights out

And, obviously, whatever you feel sexiest and most comfortable in.

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